Published: September 1, 2023 | Updated: August 31, 2023
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, they need to visit the pediatrician every year — even when they don’t need shots. Your pediatrician monitors their growth and development for early detection of any potential health issues. Book your appointment directly by location or provider.
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Childhood asthma affects many children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 1 in 12 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with asthma. In Louisville specifically, the city’s historically poor air quality has contributed to or exacerbated cases of childhood asthma, according to health care providers with Norton Children’s.
There is no cure for asthma, but treatments and an action plan can help avoid asthma triggers. Recognizing the signs, symptoms and triggers of childhood asthma is necessary to help children lead a healthier and more comfortable life.Asthma can be considered a type of reactive airway disease. Reactive airway disease (RAD) is a set of symptoms that are similar to asthma, in that it is a restrictive respiratory condition that impacts breathing. RAD may or may not be associated with an asthma diagnosis; medical providers may use it when investigating asthma-like symptoms.
How asthma is diagnosed in preschool-age children
Additional asthma testing may include:
Although there is no cure for childhood asthma, it can be managed effectively with help from a health care provider and lifestyle changes. Understanding how to control asthma symptoms and implementing a plan for coping strategies greatly can improve the quality of life for children with asthma and help them thrive. Ways to manage asthma may include:
For children with asthma, early detection and management can make a massive impact on their life. This is why regular check-ups, including the annual well-child visit with the pediatrician, are crucial. Your child’s provider can check for symptoms of asthma and begin intervention to provide relief, which can greatly affect the child’s life. If your child is experiencing symptoms of asthma, contact their health care provider right away.
This article was reviewed by Matthew D. Kinney, M.D, pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.